La Laguna Honors the Legacy of Cristóbal Hernández de Quintana on His 300th Death Anniversary

The vibrant city of La Laguna in Tenerife is marking a significant milestone as it commemorates the 300th anniversary of the death of the esteemed Baroque painter, Cristóbal Hernández de Quintana. This celebration not only pays tribute to the artist’s remarkable contributions to the world of art but also highlights the cultural richness of La Laguna, a city steeped in history and artistic heritage.

Festivities and Cultural Celebrations Unveiled

Starting today, La Laguna will embark on a series of commemorative events under the banner of #Quintana2025. This initiative is designed to honor the enduring legacy of Quintana, who passed away in 1725, and to engage the community in a celebration of art and culture. The project encompasses a major exhibition that will showcase Quintana’s artwork, a restoration campaign aimed at preserving historical pieces, and guided heritage routes that will connect the city to the life and contributions of this influential artist.

This ambitious cultural project is a collaborative effort that brings together various stakeholders, including the La Laguna City Council, the Government of the Canary Islands, the Cabildo of Tenerife, and the Casa Museo Cayetano Gómez Felipe. Additionally, partnerships with La Laguna Cathedral and several local parishes have been established to enhance the reach and impact of the initiative.

A key highlight of the program is the exhibition titled “Quintana in La Laguna. The Painter and His Legacy in Canary Baroque Art,” which is set to officially open to the public this afternoon at the Casa Museo. During a media presentation, prominent figures such as Cultural Heritage Councillor Adolfo Cordobés, Isabel de Esteban from the Cabildo of Tenerife, and art history expert Dr. Juan Alejandro Lorenzo Lima discussed the exhibition’s significance and its role in celebrating Quintana’s artistic legacy.

Preserving Cultural Heritage Through Restoration

Adolfo Cordobés underscored the importance of this anniversary, noting that it coincides with the 25th anniversary of La Laguna’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage City. He emphasized that the project aims to enhance the cultural identity of La Laguna while repositioning Quintana’s work within the broader context of Hispanic and Ibero-American Baroque art. This dual focus on celebration and preservation reflects a deep commitment to maintaining the artistic heritage of the region.

Isabel de Esteban reaffirmed the Cabildo of Tenerife’s dedication to conserving and promoting the island’s cultural heritage. She highlighted the ongoing restoration of the choir screens in the Monastery of Santa Catalina de Siena, which are crucial historical assets requiring specialized care. This restoration is part of a broader initiative to ensure the preservation of La Laguna’s rich cultural history and to make it accessible to future generations.

Furthermore, the Cabildo has facilitated the loan of significant works for the exhibition, including a portrait of Bernardo de Fau and two panels of Saint John of God. These pieces, which are typically not accessible to the public, will enhance the narrative of the exhibition and provide visitors with a more comprehensive understanding of the artistic landscape during Quintana’s time.

Significant Investment in Cultural Initiatives

Juan Alejandro Lorenzo Lima provided insights into the restoration initiatives, revealing that a total of nine works will undergo intervention, with an estimated investment exceeding 150,000 euros. This substantial funding is made possible through the collaboration of various local and regional institutions, reflecting a shared commitment to the arts and cultural heritage.

The exhibition “Quintana in La Laguna” is poised to be a major attraction, officially opening at 19:00 today at the Casa Museo Cayetano Gómez Felipe. It will remain accessible to the public until January 30, 2025, with free admission, allowing everyone to engage with the artistic legacy of Cristóbal Hernández de Quintana. This initiative not only celebrates the artist’s life but also invites the community to explore the profound impact of Baroque art on the cultural fabric of La Laguna.

Key points

• La Laguna is celebrating the 300th anniversary of Cristóbal Hernández de Quintana’s death.
• The initiative #Quintana2025 includes an exhibition, restoration campaign, and heritage routes.
• The exhibition “Quintana in La Laguna” opens today at the Casa Museo Cayetano Gómez Felipe.
• Collaboration involves multiple institutions, including the La Laguna City Council and the Government of the Canary Islands.
• Restoration efforts will impact nine works, with an investment of over 150,000 euros.
• The exhibition will be open to the public until January 30, 2025.